Hospital Care for a Premature Infant

Premature infants are born before the 37th week gestation. The earlier an infant is born, the greater the chance special care will be required before the infant is discharged from the hospital. ... read more »

Risk Factors for Premature Labor and Birth

Premature birth is a delivery before 37 completed weeks of the pregnancy. It is the #1 reason for neonatal morbidity and mortality. ... read more »

Short Cervix In Pregnancy and Risk of Premature Delivery

The cervix is the cylindrical mouth of the uterus, separating it from the vagina. Normally, earlthe cervix is at least 3-4 cm long, and its length in pregnancy strengthens the protection of the fetus. ... read more »

What Is a Viable Pregnancy and a Nonviable Pregnancy?

The term "viability" may apply to the baby potentially surviving if born prematurely, and it also may mean that the fetus is still alive inside the uterus. ... read more »

Risks of Preterm or Premature Labor and Delivery

Learn about contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks. ... read more »

Cervical Length - Risk of Prematurity

There is a reverse direct relationship between cervical length and the risk of premature births. ... read more »

Measuring Cervix May Help Reduce Prematurity

There is now ample evidence that measuring the cervix with transvaginal ultrasound can identify pregnancies that may be at risk for preterm labor and delivery and treating them with progesterone may decrease preterm labor and delivery. ... read more »

Being Born Premature Can Affect Your Love Life, Says Study

Being born prematurely can affect your love life, specifically your partner and sexual relationships. The analysis, which looked at research involving up to 4.4 million participants, found that adults who were born preterm or with low birth weight were less likely to find love or become parents. ... read more »

Premature Labor Symptoms and Signs - When To Call The Doctor

Premature labor and delivery is the #1 reason for newborn death. You should call the doctor or go to the hospital if you have any of these symptoms or signs. ... read more »

Cocaine and Pregnancy

What does it do? ... read more »

Changes in Vaginal pH May Indicate Premature Delivery

The pH of the vagina may be a good indicator of complications to come. During a model project spanning from 2004 to 2006, pregnant patients were asked to use test gloves to measure the pH of the vagina twice a week for 20 weeks. ... read more »

Famous Preemies: Anna Pavlova

Anna Pavlovna Matveyevna was born several weeks early in Russia in 1881 to a laundry-maid mother and an unknown father. She became one of the most celebrated ballerinas of all time. ... read more »

Famous Preemies: Winston Churchill

The circumstances surrounding the birth of Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill read like a Victorian novel, full of intrigue, innuendo, and hints of scandal. ... read more »

Music, Mom’s Voice Help Preemies Eat Better

A recent study has found that parents can help their premature baby significantly. The research team used music and the mother's voice to encourage preemies to feed themselves effectively in the NICU. ... read more »

Famous Preemies: Derek Paravicini

When Derek Paravicini was born on July 26, 1979, at 25 weeks, he was given oxygen therapy as standard procedure. The oxygen is said to have caused blindness and severe learning disabilities. ... read more »

Low Birth Weight Babies: Hospital and Home Care

Infants born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds) are considered low birth weight. Some low birth weight infants are born premature while others are born on-time, but weigh less than average. ... read more »

What is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)?

NICU is the abbreviation for the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital. Infants born premature or in need of advanced medical care may be admitted to the NICU for observation and treatment. ... read more »

Scotland Considers Adding Gestation Length to School Records

Researchers in Scotland have proposed adding gestation length to a child's school records to identify the preemies so school teachers will know which kids might need a little special attention. ... read more »

Famous Preemies: Leslie Lemke

Leslie Lemke was born prematurely with severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, and glaucoma; retinal damage soon followed. His mother abandoned him. ... read more »

Too Many Babies Being Born Too Soon

According to the Global Action Report on Preterm Birth, more than 15 million infants are born before their due dates.That translates to about one out of every 10 births.  ... read more »

Premature Labor - Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of premature labor ... read more »

Premature Labor - Risk Factors

The following are risk factors for increased risk of premature labor and premature births. ... read more »